DES MOINES, Iowa — The former associate athletic director at the University of Iowa will square off against the school in a trial Monday that centers on her claim that she suffered discrimination as a gay female who fought bias in college sports.
The trial in a lawsuit brought by Jane Meyer is expected to litigate whether Athletic Director Gary Barta’s personnel decisions were necessary judgment calls or tainted by discrimination.
Several Hawkeye coaches, including football’s Kirk Ferentz, are expected to testify at the trial, scheduled for up to three weeks in Des Moines. Lawyers told a judge Thursday a last-minute settlement wasn’t likely.
Jurors will determine whether Meyer suffered workplace discrimination due to her gender and sexual orientation, whether she endured retaliation for complaining of bias against female coaches, and whether she was paid less than a male administrator who performed similar work. If violations are found, jurors will decide how much to award Meyer in damages for pay and emotional distress.
Scholars who study gender say the trial will shine a light on how female administrators and coaches can face different treatment than men.
“What’s happening at Iowa isn’t unique to Iowa,” said Purdue University professor Cheryl Cooky. “Iowa might just be a real egregious example of some of these types of treatment that we’ve seen.”
Cooky said the trial, regardless of outcome, will injure “the morale and culture of the athletics department” and require healing.
